Lizzo and Cardi B have transformed into Grecian Goddesses for their collaboration, “Rumors.” On August 13, 2021, Vogue had this to say about Lizzo’s first new single in two years, “Rumors”, which is a collaboration with Cardi B: “…  the pair dropped a spectacular, cinematic video to accompany the track featuring themselves as Grecian goddesses stalking the sunny heights of Mount Olympus.  … Working with her stylist Brett Alan Nelson, Lizzo appears first in a draped golden gown and dripping... Read more

Aphrodite [Aphroditê] Aphrodite was “the goddess of love and beauty, and the embodiment of sexual pleasure (desire), seductive charm, and a capacity for deception. The Birth of Venus (c 1485) by Sandro Botticelli. The Greeks thought of her as coming from the east and she was often given the name Kypris, the Lady of Cyprus.  …  She was also given the name Kytheria as on Cythera, off the Peloponnese, she had a shrine containing an armed wooden idol of Phoenician... Read more

Pagan Portals – Hekate: A Devotional by Vivienne Moss Pagan Portals – Hekate is a slim tome, 96 pages in length, detailing Vivienne Moss’ journey of meeting and devoting herself to Hekate. Hekate is a very popular goddess in the pagan community, who appears in different ways to different people. Some of these appearances are in keeping with ancient writings, while others are modern representations. There are also numerous ways of honoring her. Ms Moss’ path is one of devotion... Read more

Review of The Wisdom of Hypatia: Ancient Spiritual Practices for a More Meaningful Life by Bruce J MacLennan PhD Bruce MacLennan’s The Wisdom of Hypatia introduces readers to the still living tradition of “Platonism  …  the tradition predates Plato, stretching back to Pythagoras (sixth century BCE) and before him to the semi-mythical Orpheus and the Persian Magi.“ This was the tradition practiced by Hypatia and taught in Alexandria to Pagans, Jews and Christians, until she was murdered by a Christian... Read more

Review of The Oracles of Apollo: Practical Ancient Greek Divination for Today by John Opsopaus PhD John Opsopaus’ The Oracles of Apollo points out that “since ancient times, divination has been an important tool for seeking guidance from the gods, and most modern Pagans, Wiccans, and others who practice the old faiths are familiar with divination and many practice some divinatory art  …  “ Mr Opsopaus teaches how to use two rediscovered divination systems: Firstly, the Alphabet Oracle, a system... Read more

Those who decide to immerse themselves in magick or witchcraft are faced with a bewildering array of choices. Is one modality superior to the others? If so, how should it be found? John William Waterhouse – Magic Circle (1886)   Beginning the journey by banishing fear Think back to that scene in The Matrix when Morpheus says to Neo: “Nobody can be told what the matrix is, you have to see it for yourself.” It’s the same thing with the... Read more

Review of Cord Magic: Tapping into the Power of String, Yarn, Twists & Knots by Brandy Williams Brandy Williams’ Cord Magic is a text of practical magic in which she shows “how to quickly and effectively twist your own magical cords, with specific tips for choosing colors, setting your intention, charging the cords, and incorporating powerful knot spells.” These magical cords can be used for virtually any purpose you can imagine including “protection, transitions, finding new love, improving your creative... Read more

The ancient Athenians practiced binding magick as shown by a 2300 year old curse jar and 2500 year old curse tablets, all discovered fairly recently. Curse Jar Inside the curse jar, archaeologists found iron nail, coin and bones of a chicken [Credit: Athenian Agora Excavations] Jessica Lamont, a professor of Classics at Yale University, wrote an article published in the American School of Classical Studies in Athens’ journal Hesperia 90 (2021), The Curious Case of the Cursed Chicken: A New... Read more

Review of Queer Magic: LGBT+ Spirituality and Culture from Around the World by Tomás Prower. In the predominantly heteronormative western world, shaped by an adherence to Abrahamic faiths, LGBTQ+ people are often made to feel like outsiders. Sadly, in the USA a disproportionate number of homeless youths are from this demographic, often running away from home to escape family conflicts. But it wasn’t always like this for LGBTQ+ youth, there was a time when they were cherished rather marginalized, and... Read more

The best dancers train as hard as high level athletes, but yet express themselves artistically when performing. Watching those who have mastered their craft, such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, it appears that there are forces at play that bend the laws of physics, causing their moves to appear effortless and almost in slow motion. Mikhail Baryshnikov dancing at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris on October 19, 1978.   Perhaps the most powerful indication of non-physical forces can be found in... Read more